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Glite Dictionary
appendicularia

appendicularia

9.9
A small tadpole-shaped sea animal that swims freely and filters food from water
  • noun
  • /ˌæpənˌdɪkjʊˈlɛəriə/
  • Specialized
: apendicularia
  • Scientists observed that appendicularia filter small particles from the seawater using their mucous houses.

Examples

  • The unique body shape of appendicularia distinguishes them from other planktonic organisms in the ocean.

  • Marine biologists study appendicularia to understand the early evolution of tunicates and chordates.

  • The appendicularia is fascinating.

  • Look at the appendicularia!

  • Marine biologists study appendicularia to understand their role in marine ecosystems.

  • Scientists observed that appendicularia filter small particles from seawater using their mucous houses.

  • The unique body shape of appendicularia helps them survive in open water.

Synonyms

larvacean
vsappendicularia
  • Specialized
9.9

A very small sea animal that keeps its tadpole-like young body and filters tiny particles

is a small free-swimming tunicate that resembles a larval form

Surface Forms

appendicularia singular
appendicularias plural

Morphology

appendicularia = appendicular (opaque) = appendicular + ia

The form is a Neo‑Latin taxonomic formation (appendicular + -ia) naming a group of tunicates; the specific zoological meaning is not predictable from 'appendicular' for an average learner.

Etymology

The word appendicularia comes from Latin appendix meaning 'an attached part' and the ending -ularia meaning 'related to'. So the name is a helpful way to remember these tiny, tadpole-shaped sea animals as 'creatures with small appendages', because their tail-like parts give them that shape.